The best desert campgrounds near Kernville, California

93% (344 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience near Kernville, California, with a desert terrain? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 1300 options specifically in that location, perfect for any desert-loving adventurer. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $35 per night, there is something for every budget. Check out the top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for highly recommended options. Plus, popular amenities like toilets, showers, and pet-friendly sites are available. Whether you're into paddling, snow sports, or horseback riding, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy. Get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

Popular camping styles for Kernville

Top-rated campgrounds

93% (344 reviews)

Looking for a camping experience near Kernville, California, with a desert terrain? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 1300 options specifically in that location, perfect for any desert-loving adventurer. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $35 per night, there is something for every budget. Check out the top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for highly recommended options. Plus, popular amenities like toilets, showers, and pet-friendly sites are available. Whether you're into paddling, snow sports, or horseback riding, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy. Get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

Popular camping styles for Kernville

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%

(214)

44mi from Kernville · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

2. Underworld Farms

85%

(40)

2.6mi from Kernville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

3. Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

96%

(26)

34mi from Kernville · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Bakersfield, CA

Okihi is a unique sanctuary where habitat restoration meets outdoor adventure. Nestled in a diverse landscape, we focus on healing the land through hands-on conservation while offering a space to connect with nature, camp, and learn. This is not your average campground, so i make sure to look over the rules. They will be enforced to keep a tranquil vibe. Restore and Explore We’re committed to revitalizing native habitats—our land is a living example of ecological renewal. Wander scenic trails, enjoy wildlife, and witness the power of restoration in action. Sustainable Farming and Livestock Our animals play a key role in regeneration. Horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens help manage invasive weeds and maintain healthy ecosystems. We compost all their manure, turning waste into valuable resources for soil health. Camping and Community Camp under the stars, explore nature, and join us for seasonal events and workshops focused on sustainability, conservation, and community. Whether you're here to camp, hike, or volunteer, Okihi is a place where nature and people come together for a common cause. Okihi is more than a destination—it's a living example of land restoration, sustainable living, and the power of community. Come explore, learn, and make a difference! Okihi is approximately 15 minutes east of Downtown Bakersfield. 20 minutes away from the 99 hwy or 178 hwy. Whichever way you are traveling, we are a great stopover point. Sites are spread around on the east side of the property facing the river for beautiful river views while you sip coffee from your site. There are a multitude of recreation opportunities to enjoy. On site there is hiking, places to practice yoga or meditate, kayaking, paddle boarding. We also have a hammock veranda that is fully shaded and a great place to relax along the river. Miles of biking paths run on the road right by where we are situated and there is a nearby river rafting company if you want the white water experience. Most of our campers are road tripping, getting away from LA, or are looking for a stopover on their way to/from Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, etc. We are in a desert climate – cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Portable heaters or fans with misting options are available for rent.

4. Golden Cactus Ghost Town

100%

(1)

31mi from Kernville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pearsonville, CA

Golden Cactus Ghost Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the ghost town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river. There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish. For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available. If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also includes access to a power outlet.

5. Kernville Ranch

100%

(20)

1mi from Kernville · 5 sites · Lodging · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

6. Wandering Star Ranch

99%

(43)

9.3mi from Kernville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land: Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

7. RRR Ranch Mojave

44mi from Kernville · 1 site · Tent, RV · California City, CA

The RRR Ranch was formed on December 25, 2005, by Brian and Rick with a vision of a place where artists and filmmakers can create and relax. 15 acres of remote desert in the Fremont Valley the ranch sits on the slopes of the hills over looking Kohen Dry Lake. We have hosted numerous events and film shoots. Explore the ranch and the surrounding areas, We have stages, fire pits, diy bars, 20 foot tall steel pyramid with observation deck and performance stage. 16 foot dome filled with tech stuff. Vintage bath tub. And 250 gallon tub, burned out car. Mini geodesic kids dome, stargazing, sand dunes and 3000 gallon water tank.

8. Double Triangle Ranch

98%

(58)

9.8mi from Kernville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.

9. Shirley Creek Retreat

88%

(16)

4.4mi from Kernville · 1 site · Lodging · Wofford Heights, CA

Beautiful mountain retreat surrounded by wilderness. Great place to just relax, breath and enjoy or have outdoor adventures via hiking trails, water play on the lake or Kern River, visit the trail of 100 Giants, white water rafting, fishing and snow skiing in Alta Vista! Cute retro movie theater in town or dining and entertainment in Kernville, home of the world famous Kernville Brewery. Cute additional cabin that sleeps two as an additional space for the kids or adventurous adults.Learn more about this land:Great location for outdoor & indoor adventure for you & your whole family! Beautiful view from mega deck, retro cabin that sleeps 6, fire pit, steps to seasonal creek full of swimming holes, beautiful mountain trails just outside your door. Lake Isabella, Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort & Remington Mineral Baths all within 15 minutes yet relax in solitude on 1/2 acre property surrounded by government land. Wood burning stove, traditional heat & air; everything to make your stay comfy & fun! Pet friendly. Place for tents as well as comfy cabin.

10. Silver Spur Ranch

100%

(5)

17mi from Kernville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Weldon, CA

Creek side "Oasis" located close by to the Kern River Valley and Lake Isabella Located in a valley that meets the junction of the High Sierras and Mojave region Here at the ranch are 110 acres of open space with a wooded creek side ! There is a large yard and lawn area by the site RV sites with hookups are available at $65 nightly T Mobil cell service available at the ranch (No Att or Verizon) Wifi available "silver spur ranch" ask for passcode Sequoia Nat Forest is nearby and also a network of OHV trails close by ! Also a 2 bedroom cabin is available to rent here at the ranch ..

11. Cartago Springs

78%

(9)

46mi from Kernville · 2 sites · RVs · Cartago, CA

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

12. Haiwee Flats

83%

(3)

39mi from Kernville · 1 site · RV · Olancha, CA

Come and enjoy a beautiful relaxing weekend at Haiwee flats, 360 views of mountains, pull in site with easy access to the highway. Also a few miles nearby is the Haiwee Reservoir, ..please respect signs. Lots of exploring and hiking nearby. Sageflats is a nearby road that can bring you closer to the mountains. Get lost enjoy yourself.

13. Robison Ranch

100%

(2)

33mi from Kernville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Inyokern, CA

Just off Highway 395, beneath the eastern Sierras, sits a former racehorse training facility with sweeping views of both the resident horses and surrounding mountains. The property features a horse courtyard and open, undeveloped land for camping—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. Stargazing is encouraged, with dark skies that truly shine. An outhouse with a toilet and sink is available on-site for campers’ use.

Stories from the community

R

Rolando

October 2025

28 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Golden Cactus Ghost Town

The whole site is fantastic. Ricardo and his brotherJamie welcomed me at the entrance helped me set up for the night. As an added plus they walked me through the extraordinary collection vintage cars and memorabilia collected at the museum. I can't say enough about their herculean efforts to restore one of America's historic small mining towns. Also, the site where the movie "CLAW" was filmed. Excellent place to stay going to or returning from Death Valley.

F

Felicia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

Great location off the beaten path. Nice and quiet, with lots of critters to gawk at, domesticated and wild. Deer wandered by while we soaked in the hot tub watching horses, and at night we were serenaded by nearby coyotes. The property has lots of character itself and is near enough to Kernville proper to go out for a hot meal, browse its shops, or hunt-down Quartzburg ghost town (which I strongly recommend!).

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

Katherine was amazing. She answered all of our questions and responded to anything promptly. We'd love to stay there again if we were ever back this way.

A

Adina

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

Lovely camping site with lots of space and beautiful views of the river. Katherine, the host, was very accommodating and quick to respond!

V

Virginia

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Robison Ranch

Robison Ranch was very peaceful and being around the horses was fun. The ranch hands were very friendly. The view of the mountains was awesome.

E

Evan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Wandering Star Ranch

Loved camping at this site with my friends. There was a ton of space and we were so close to everything we wanted to do. The property backs up to BLM land so if you step out the back gate you’re able to hike beautiful peaks. There’s a pontoon feature that provides great shade, a perfect place to hang a hammock, and stunning views. There’s property is just five minutes from the lake and nature preserve where we fished all week. Mark was a great host and answered all questions leading up to the trip. This was a trip for my best friends bachelor party and was the perfect spot for our group. Couldn’t have been happier. Will definitely be back with my wife soon. Thanks Mark!

Mafe

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch

Such a beautiful cabin with so much unique charm. The property itself is stunning, with horses nearby and a stream running right by the hot tub. It made for such a peaceful and memorable stay—I’d highly recommend it.

A

Adrian

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Okihi- Reimagining The Kern River

Beautiful land. Well equipped comfy RV. Relaxing stay

A

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Kernville Ranch

Wonderful property right off the roadway for easy access to the cabin. Host was very friendly, considerate, and communicative. I’ll rebook any time I’m in the area for work or play :)!

S

Sara

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Robison Ranch

Beautiful site for quiet, privacy, and stargazing! My first time on a real horse ranch. There were many possibilities for where on the ranch we could park the RV, we parked near a barn in the back and could hear the horses snorting, it was very relaxing. We dry camped but water and electric outlets were available. Host was very accommodating and made sure we were comfortable, which is much appreciated. Location was perfect, 5 minutes from the highway but it felt remote. Great spot!

Juniper shade with cooking pit: allows 3 two-man tents

B

Ben

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Double Triangle Ranch

We had a great stay at Juniper for 2 nights. The site host, Brian, was friendly and very helpful. Wonderful stargazing at night and good privacy, and we enjoyed having access to an outdoor shower right at our site. Would stay again!

Torry

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This place is a true hidden gem, but sadly probably not for long— the secret is out. The reviews mentioned the kindness and genuineness of Nacho. He exactly the right person for a place like this. The lake was absolutely clean, each site has its own power and water, and hiking trails galore near by. No doubt me and my son will be back. Lake Olancha Oasis was exactly the blessing my son and I needed. Thanks again Nacho and Staff!

Beautiful open skies that allowed us to use Starlink WiFi

G

Guru Das

September 2025

21 ft campervan

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We arrived at 9 PM at the campground and were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by a helpful gentleman who pointed us to our spot. The spot had 100 A/50A/30A hookups, water hookup and also a full restroom (shared) nearby. The lake was serene in the morning. Conveniently located near the highway.

Gina

September 2025

37 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Silver Spur Ranch

We went back to Silver Spur Ranch for another rafting trip with Momentum Expeditions. The site is exactly the way it was with full hookups and well maintained. I was talking to John and learned that there are a couple of ther sites that looked maintained as well. I told John I’d name the sites for him. It seemed like he didn’t mind. The RV sites are situated next to large trees that provide shade. We booked the same site that we stayed at in June 2025, which I named Cottonwood tree. The other RV site has an Elm tree. There’s a Yellow house that is used for lodging. Overall, as I mentioned in my first review, Silver Spur Ranch is peaceful and quiet. There’s a creek that has clear water flowing through it that you can stare at and be mesmerized. We saw a mini rapid.

J

Jewel

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Amazing place! Has a ton of amenities free to enjoy. Super clean and has some of the most beautiful views of the mountains especially at sunset. No mosquitos in site even with the lake being 20ft away from us. Nacho is absolutely the best, super helpful and understanding. Hate to recommend since it’s a hidden gem but too good not to give praises when they are due. But I do recommend this spot

M

Maya

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Wandering Star Ranch

My group loved tent camping here at wandering star ranch! The property is huge and BLM land is incredibly close! This spot is absolutely amazing if you like off roading and shooting! We brought our dirt bike and had a BLAST!! There is a little shooting range up the hill too! The lake is close enough to go fishing too and if you run out of any supplies there is a market and gas station close by as well! The restroom was clean but there were a few black widows in there so make sure you bring something along to remove them! Mark was a great host! He was quick with responses and very helpful! We added firewood and the soak tub to our trip and mark set it all up very quickly! We will most definitely be back to camp here again!!

G

Guillaume

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Kernville Ranch

The place has a unique charm, particularly the land surrounding the cottage, with the hot tub being an absolute winner. You feel disconnected from the world. Whether you’re alone, as a couple, or with children (as in our case), it’s very peaceful. We also loved the region for exploring the forest, going hiking, or kayaking on Lake Isabella. What could be improved concerns the cottage’s equipment, particularly in the kitchen. A number of basic items are missing, such as a colander, real cutting boards, scissors or more sharp knives. The pans are also quite old and stick very easily. Since there is no dishwasher, that made things a bit of a challenge, though in the end it wasn’t really a problem. It would also be nice to have a few basics on site, like cooking oil (as we found everywhere else), or one or two laundry pods just to help out at the start of the stay. Also, keep in mind that the Internet connection is slow, though that’s probably part of the charm as well. Finally, there weren’t any clear check-out instructions, so it was a little tricky to know exactly what to do, especially with the trash (is there no recycling?). In the end, we figured out that you apparently just leave everything as it is, including the bedding and such.

l

louise

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Double Triangle Ranch

We loved the camping spot and the hospitality of the host. We were welcomed and shown around the gardens, which made a great start of the stay. The view is absolutely stunning! We would come back and will recommend this to anyone visiting the area :)

B

Ben

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Silver Spur Ranch

John is a fantastic host. Our time on his ranch was amazing, truly a beautiful property! He accommodated an extra days stay at another space on the property which allowed us to fully enjoy our time at the river, even though it was a last minute request. The dogs were able to roam around unleashed and the kids rode their bikes and quad around until the batteries ran out. We had a great time in the Kern River Valley, thanks to John and his laid back, but welcoming and flexible style. I'd recommend a stay here anytime, and we'd definitely come back when we can!